WHEREAS, It is the policy of the legislature to honor excellence in every field of endeavor; and
     WHEREAS, The Mercer Island High School Girls Water Polo Team won their fifth consecutive Washington State Water Polo Championship in 2002, having won their five tournament games by an average score of 14 to 4; and
     WHEREAS, The 2002 Mercer Island High School Girls Water Polo Championship Team Members were Caity Connolly, Kate Barach, Whitney Benz, Julie Chung, Blaire Wyatt, Christina Wensman, Krissy Orkney, Rendy Lynn Opdycke, Brie Richmond, Ashley Massmann, and Jesse Riebe; and
     WHEREAS, The Mercer Island Water Polo Players have exemplified to their classmates the success that is possible when clear goals are established and when persistent effort is made toward those goals;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate honor and congratulate the Mercer Island High School Girls Water Polo Team for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice in achieving this significant accomplishment; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Head Coach Jeff Lowell and Assistant Coach Eric Bartleson be recognized for their dedication, sacrifice, and leadership; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Christina Wensman be recognized for being named the Washington State Tournament MVP; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Ashley Massmann be recognized for being named the Washington State Tournament Defensive MVP; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Christina Wensman and Ashley Massmann be recognized for being named to the All Tournament First Team; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Rendy Lynn Opdycke be recognized for being named to the All Tournament Second Team; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Whitney Benz and Caity Connolly be recognized for being named to the All Tournament Third Team; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the teachers, classmates, and parents of the team members be recognized for the important part they played in helping these student athletes excel; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Mercer Island High School Principal, Athletic Director, and to each of the coaches and members of the Mercer Island High School 2002 Girls Varsity Water Polo Team.